In his Instagram story dated October 16, 2025, Lionel Messi shared an image from his Barcelona debut, which features him ready to get subbed on. He also shared the same post on his Instagram feed, alongside an image from his Barca days wearing the number 30 shirt. He wrote:

Five time Player of the Month, Golden Boot winner, architect of Miami’s playoff run. At 38, Messi on paper is the league’s top talent.

Lionel Messi took to social media to mark the anniversary of his professional debut with Barcelona, which took place on October 16, 2004.

Now nearing the end of his professional career, Lionel Messi remains a global soccer superstar. Still, that hasn’t made him forget the beginning of his journey — his first appearance as a professional with Barcelona in La Liga.